Statewide recreation plan ready for public review

MADISON - The public will have an opportunity to review and comment on the draft Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. The plan provides guidance to public outdoor recreation policy and planning decisions and is used in allocating recreation-related grants administered by the Department of Natural Resources.

This iteration of the SCORP covers the period from 2019 to 2023 provides updated information on Wisconsinites' participation in outdoor recreation, existing opportunities, and future needs. The plan was developed with the assistance of an advisory team comprised of a diversity of representatives.

Adding additional trails, such as the recently complete portion of the Great Sauk Trail, is one of the priority needs identified in the plan.Photo credit: DNR

The DNR will host an open house meeting on Wednesday Dec. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Alumni Room of the Dreyfus University Center on the UW-Stevens Point campus. The Center is located at 1015 Reserve St. Stevens Point.

The SCORP provides guidance for public outdoor recreation policy and planning decisions in the state. The plan also guides the allocation of recreation-related grants administered by the department, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund program.

The plan lays out five overarching goals for outdoor recreation in Wisconsin:

Boost participation in outdoor recreation.

Grow partnerships.

Provide high-quality experiences.

Improve data to enhance visitor experiences and benefits.

Enhance funding and financial stability.

People can review the plan and the appendices by searching the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for keyword "SCORP." In addition to the open house, people can also comment on the plan through a public input form on the SCORP page of the DNR website. The form is intended to gather perspectives about the draft SCORP and ideas people may have to improve the document. People can provide input on an online questionnaire, or can download a form and mail it in. Comments, either online or hardcopy, are due by Jan. 4, 2019.